[Nessmuk]

I am replacing an engine in an S10.
The new engine is a 2007, 4.3
I'm putting it in a 1997.
I have a few questions and any other advice anyone might share is also appreciated.
What type of retainer is needed on the timing gear bolts?
Will a heavy duty timing set fit this engine, it appears I would need to toss the tensioner.
Also, what are the two, different thread size, plugs next to the cam for?
Lastly, should I bother changing the cam expansion plug, I did the freeze plugs, all looked new.
Pics below.

 

[Nessmuk]

 

[Nessmuk]

Any help?
Can I use this chain?
Do I need thread lock or lock washers on the gear bolts?

 

[sixsix]

Looks like the "Engine Guys" are still napping...

Try this page & the guy's engine build:

https://www.astrosafari.com/threads/99-safari-2wd-driver-build.141228/page-3#post-1556944

Don't have any answers to your other queries. But I did search for "Timing Chain" in the Search Doodah here to get that addy.

 

[Mmusicman]

What did the S-10 guys say?

Beside that it might or might not fit...
I'm confused by your pictures.
In the photo, which chain are you wanting to use?
The loose one (on top of engine last photo) or the one already assembled?
The assembled one (with colored sprocket) look MUCH beefier

 

[Nessmuk]

The loose one is OEM. The installed, no tensioner, is what I am asking about.

 

[Nessmuk]

Found these.

Automotive Engine Torque Specifications - TorkSpec - Knowledge for the Motorhead

Engine Torque Specs. Over 6,000 Automotive Torque Specs. Search Car Torque Specifications by Engine or Model

www.torkspec.com

2018 Chevy Silverado 1500 4.3L Engine Torque Specs| Chevy Specs

1500 4.3L engine bolt torque specs, common problems and repairs. Cylinder Head Torque specs, timing chain installation, manifolds torque specs, engine assembly.

chevy-specs.com

 

[Mmusicman]

I've been running gear-drives in all my engines for the past 30 years.
Sorry no help with the chain.

I'm sure crank sprocket thickness is an important issue regarding line-up of harmonic balance and external pulleys.

????

I always use cam gear-drives.. but in my small & big block V8's
They don't fail. I have one in the 350 (30 years) in my 92 Astro.
I don't know if they make them for the 4.3 V6

Summit Racing SUM-G6700 Summit Racing™ Gear Drives | Summit Racing

Free Shipping - Summit Racing™ Gear Drives with qualifying orders of $99. Shop Timing Gear Drive Sets at Summit Racing.

www.summitracing.com

 

[sixsix]

I've been running gear-drives in all my engines for the past 30 years.

????

 

[Bikley]

You can't use gearsets with EFI engines because they play hell with knock sensors. Also some can't be used with roller cams for whatever reason. That said, I would love to put one on mine but the wife would have a coniption. 😃

 

[Mmusicman]

Mine is used with a roller cam on my older 400 carbureted engine
(but NO knock-sensor)

I understand the conflict issues with a modern fuel-injection system, although there may be work-around's for that. None the less, I doubt they would be practical or worth the effort.

My 400, my 350, 454, and my 502 are my most recent builds (in past 30 years)
I also still have these engines (all on stands except 350 which is in my 92)
I am not a professional builder, this is just hobby level for my own use.
I would never rebuild a V6 (not that there is anything wrong with that)

The last time I used a timing chain was a dual chain (back in the 80's)

The gear whine doesn't bother me (sounds a little like a blower), although they make quiet ones too.

Here's the gear-drive in my carbureted 350 in my 92 Astro...

Sorry I got a little "off-track"... back to the timing chains

 

[sixsix]

My Question Marks were for the "all my engines" comment.

Did not think you did it w/ your V6.

 

[Bikley]

According to Summit some say "not for use with roller cams" but some don't. I don't know what the distinction is though.

 

[sixsix]

I was as surprised to see that drivetrain as you were seeing the balance shaft ( on certain builds ).
Which is, coincidently, gear drive.
And probably the main reason that cam gear train would not work anyway.

 

[Nessmuk]

I compared the new and older balancers, both seem to protrude the same distance.

 

[gwd]

How much do they go for these days. Its been a while since I looked at gear timing sprockets.
The vans do not really need it. In v8 blocks they can be useful.
I do like the thicker chain and sprocket that is being installed above post.

 

[Nessmuk]

There must be some differences in the timing sets.
I have a pick up sensor with a groove worn in it from rubbing on the gear.
They list different oil pan gaskets, but the pans are the same by appearance.
I didn't have an oil pan gasket in my set, and found my H-freight torque wrenches had locked up, so I've been delayed in the reassembly.